Imm-man-YAR-OK: n. Inupiat (polar Alaskan native) word for the 'Little People', spirits manifested as inexplicable lights you see on the tundra in polar winter; lights that you mustn't follow, lest they lead you into danger...

Monday, January 14, 2013

Recent Cockpit Design Test

Recently we did a test with Bruce Matiya (left; Chuck Sullivan on the right) in attendance, a retired engineer who's worked on helicopters, Air Force 1, a micropump for Mars lander and other systems. He currently runs his son's Formula 1 racing team, and he had some great insights about cockpit design and mobility issues once seated (similar to Formula 1 I am in a confined space, but it's critical for me to reach actuators etc).
Today I'm working on 'fairing' the system; securing all wiring and hoses, painting any exposed surfaces black to eliminate visual clutter, and tightening all fittings. The next test will be significant!

About Me

I'm an author and explorer writing about evolution and space exploration; I also build and test exploration technologies, from sailing vessels to Arctic sledges and, currently, space suits; see more at pacificspaceflight.com.